Trial into radio waves treatment for chronic lower back pain secures $3.6M grant

A study into an under-researched treatment for Lower Back Pain (LPB) has been awarded $3.6M through the National Health & Medical Research Council (NMHRC) Clinical Trials and Cohort Studies grants program.  

The Radiofrequency Ablation for Chronic Low Back Pain (RELIEF) study will be led by Professor Manuela Ferreira, Program Head of Musculoskeletal Health at The George Institute for Global Health, and Professor of Musculoskeletal Health at UNSW Sydney.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure that uses radio waves to apply heat to the nerves responsible for pain in the lower back, blocking pain signals to the brain. RFA is being used increasingly around the world, but there is a lack of robust data to determine its efficacy and safety.

Around 620 million people worldwide suffer from LBP, with the number expected to rise significantly by 2050. In Australia, where the RELIEF study will be run, LBP is the leading cause of disability and work loss, with 3.4 million Australians living with the disabling condition. LBP costs more than $8.4 billion annually in healthcare and lost work productivity and in its chronic form is difficult to treat. 

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Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has shown encouraging results in some studies, with many patients reporting pain relief just a month after the procedure, and many reducing their reliance on opioids, which come with dependency issues and reduced efficacy over time.

But, while these early results were promising, there is no solid evidence on whether RFA works long term and is safe for the spine.

The RELIEF trial will provide the high-quality, placebo-controlled evidence needed to help close the information gap for healthcare professionals and consumers.

By:

Professor Manuela Ferreira

Program Head - Musculoskeletal Health, The George Institute

The RELIEF trial will test whether RFA is effective in reducing pain, improving function, and decreasing medication use in patients with chronic LBP; and the long-term effects of RFA on muscle health, including those that stabilise the spine. 

If RFA is proven effective and safe, it could transform the way chronic LBP is treated, as an alternative to medication and surgery.